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Blackburn charity boss launches new venture

THE boss of a disabled children’s charity which folded earlier this year because of funding cuts has launched a new venture.

The Blackburn branch of KIDS, which worked with disabled children, young people and their families across England to provide short breaks and respite services for families, was forced to close in March.

But now mother-of-three Diane Price, 57, who ran the charity from the Shadsworth Children’s Centre, has started a new scheme.

The venture, called In Di Go, will aim to fill the gap left by the closure of organisations like KIDS.

Diane, of Pinewood, Feniscowles, said: “I worked with 34 families with disabled children in the Blackburn with Darwen area with KIDS.

“When it closed I could see the many gaps left in service provision. Blackburn is amongst the top most deprived areas in the country, with many families living on benefits. This in itself brings severe hardship.

“Families who have disabled children and young people within their homes face even greater challenges, unemployment, debt, poor housing, low income, isolation, parental health problems and family stability. Tiny steps make big differences.

“My personal experience of having a son with disabilities and my voluntary work experience have enabled me to make a difference to disabled children young people and their families.”

She said In Di Go offered care and support services for young people with diabilities.

She has raised £1,016 so far and will continue to fundraise. In addition a grant of £1,500 has paid for insurance and CRB checks for staff and volunteers.

But she said the project was mainly being funded from her own personal savings.